REAL

Pervasive prophage recombination occurs during evolution of spore-forming Bacilli

Dragos, Anna and Priyadarshini, B. and Hasan, Zahraa and Strube, Mikael Lenz and Kempen, Paul J. and Maróti, Gergely (2021) Pervasive prophage recombination occurs during evolution of spore-forming Bacilli. ISME JOURNAL. ISSN 1751-7362

[img] Text
DrgaosAISMEJ.pdf
Restricted to Registered users only

Download (2MB)

Abstract

Phages are the main source of within-species bacterial diversity and drivers of horizontal gene transfer, but we know little about the mechanisms that drive genetic diversity of these mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Recently, we showed that a sporulation selection regime promotes evolutionary changes within SP beta prophage of Bacillus subtilis, leading to direct antagonistic interactions within the population. Herein, we reveal that under a sporulation selection regime, SP beta recombines with low copy number phi3Ts phage DNA present within the B. subtilis population. Recombination results in a new prophage occupying a different integration site, as well as the spontaneous release of virulent phage hybrids. Analysis of Bacillus sp. strains suggests that SP beta and phi3T belong to a distinct cluster of unusually large phages inserted into sporulation-related genes that are equipped with a spore-related genetic arsenal. Comparison of Bacillus sp. genomes indicates that similar diversification of SP beta-like phages takes place in nature. Our work is a stepping stone toward empirical studies on phage evolution, and understanding the eco-evolutionary relationships between bacteria and their phages. By capturing the first steps of new phage evolution, we reveal striking relationship between survival strategy of bacteria and evolution of their phages.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science / természettudomány > QH Natural history / természetrajz > QH301 Biology / biológia > QH3015 Molecular biology / molekuláris biológia
SWORD Depositor: MTMT SWORD
Depositing User: MTMT SWORD
Date Deposited: 01 Sep 2021 13:25
Last Modified: 01 Sep 2021 13:25
URI: http://real.mtak.hu/id/eprint/128933

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item